NEIGHBOURS of an aspiring Michelin star gastro pub fear they will be disturbed by an invasion of lager louts and anti-social youths if the pub extends its opening hours.

Tom and Beth Kerridge, who run The Hand and Flowers pub in Henley Road, Marlow, have applied to Wycombe District Council to open until 1am six days of the week, and play music until 12.30pm, with carte blanche to open for sporting and non-sporting events of local, national and international importance.

Mrs Kerridge told a licensing panel hearing on Tuesday, September 13, that she did not have a television in the pub but she wanted the flexibility to open longer to serve champagne breakfasts for the regatta.

She added the late night music licence would enable them to hold live jazz and carol singing at Christmas.

But neighbours are worried the licence might threaten their peace and tranquillity, if the popular managers of the chain pub move on.

Resident James Stacey said: "Your pub is a credit to the local area, but I have lived here for 30 years and in that time there have been eight or nine changes. In the past if you could see the way people behaved coming out of that place you would be horrified."

Bill Voss, of Harwood Road, Marlow said: "We are worried about drunken yob behaviour. It doesn't occur now but it could, if the pub changes hands. We have had plant pots smashed, obscene photos attached to our windows and wheelie bins removed. Marlow already has more than 20 pubs with late night opening and late music licences. We don't need another one."

Mrs Kerridge said: "I am happy here, please don't make me leave."

A Greene King spokesman for the brewery said: "If the management changes there is a review process where you can all come back and complain to the council and the licence can be looked at again."

But resident Peter Addis told the meeting: "If we lose this protest now we shall probably lose it next time."

The council's decision will be announced within the next seven days.